Boston cardinal reflects on defeat of assisted-suicide initiative
November 13, 2012
Emphasizing that “physician assisted suicide presents a moral and ethical threat to society, the medical profession, the disabilities community and the common good,” Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston reflected on the narrow defeat of a ballot initiative that would have legalized the practice in Massachusetts.
“Just as in our struggle against abortion, it is not enough simply to condemn abortion, but we need to help to take care of the women whose lives are in turmoil because of a pregnancy,” he said at the fall meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. “In the same way, we need to reach out to those facing difficulties at the end of life.”
“Proponents of physician assisted suicide want us to believe that this is a compassionate response to the plight of people who have a terminal illness,” he added. “It is not. We are called to comfort the sick, not to help them take their own lives.”
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Further information:
- Cardinal O'Malley's Comments on Defeated Massachusetts Physician Assisted Suicide Initiative (USCCB)
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